Chapter 22
One of the other skills I received when I came here allowed me to understand what was written and said. The skill also let other people understand me, even though I spoke a different language. When I read the different languages, the words are translated in my head, sort of like my own translater.
However, this note from Christina, one of the rebel army leaders, was written in English. I had some knowledge of English, but I would've not understood any of these words if I didn't have my translation skill. I immediately requested any information about Christina, but there was nothing unusual apart from her being knowledgeable ever since she was young.
When she graduated, she started her own business, using the money from her own family. Her company became one of the biggest only in two years. After her parents died of illness, she succeeded as the family head.
Nothing suggested that she was someone like me, who suddenly appeared in this world.
The only other theory I can think of was that she was reincarnated or taught the knowledge by someone else. No matter what it was, I wanted to meet her to get my answer. I ordered an espionage unit to deliver a note to her.
I decided to clear my head, so I went outside to take a breather. As usual, I had two units accompanying me. Our base was slowly expanding, with more extensive walls and watchtowers. I also increased our number of warehouses, hangers and factories.
We completed our plans to build train routes and are currently calculating the cost and time needed. The workshop was building the train; I wanted a uniquely made train to transport all sorts of things. Since this world had wild monsters roaming around, and possible attacks from bandits, I wanted machine guns to be placed on them. However, I doubt that bandits would try and attack a train.
And I recently received news that those three people we allowed to leave had all died. Two of them died during the apocalypse, and the other one's body was found in the river. The last person's death was suspicious, so I sent a team to examine the body.
"Excuse me," I turned around to see Elrand and the other elves. Speaking of elves, after Elora was given her sniper rifle, I wanted to know how the other elves would do with sniper rifles. The answer was they were really good, particularly Elrand.
The Elves had the power to use wind magic, and so when shooting, the bullets were not affected by the wind. They were also able to increase its range or sometimes change its trajectory slightly if they could get the timing right.
One rule they had to obey was that sniper rifles had to be stored in the armoury. Every time they took it out, it was logged to ensure that the rifles were not misused. Miniature tracking devices were placed in them as well.
"What's up?" I asked.
"We've begun to feel a powerful presence within this forest, and every day it's getting stronger and stronger."
"Do you have any idea what it is?"
"We unsure what it is exactly, but it's an extremely powerful spirit."
"Hmm, would you be able to tell where it is?"
"Yes, we should be able to."
"Good, I will send a team to scout it out; I want you to accompany them."
"Understood. Will we be allowed to use our rifles?" requested Elrand. I guess they wanted to try out their rifles.
"Yes, you can. There are kits prepared for you in the armoury as well, and take one of the Hueys."
♦ ♦ ♦
A few hours later, the earth began to shake. The birds all took air, and the forest animal cries could be heard. The alarm was sounded; all the people stopped what they were doing and ran back to their houses. They followed all the procedures correctly, which would make our job much more manageable.
Oh, I should explain what happened. The elves and the units were sent to investigate this spirit. The location was the place where we buried all the dead monsters' remains. The only difference was that there was now a massive tree where the small tree was.
The tree's growth was because all the mana from the buried monster corpse was absorbed. This made the tree grow as if hundreds of years had passed.
This made the tree become a spirit, which the elves could communicate, as spirits loved them. Apparently, it uses some power to talk telepathically, so the units couldn't hear them since they weren't living beings.
This tree wanted to help us and sort of like repay the monster corpse food we unintentionally gave. What the tree offered was a boast of our crops and protection.
Elrand told me to take the offer since spirits could be powerful allies; I wasn't sure at first, but he said a master-servant pact could be formed between me and the tree. So that's why we have a 100 ft tall walking tree heading our way.
I moved out parts of the walls and the gate. We created a massive space in the centre of the farms. I watched as the walking tree moved over to the spot and secured itself to the ground. I guess that's how tree relocations work in this world.
I was slowly approaching the tree when I heard a deep voice booming in my head.
"Hello, you must be the one who helped me grow. I must thank you, I was barely holding surviving then."
"Ah, no worries about that; it was unintentional anyways," I replied. "So you would like to form a contract?"
"Yes, I would very much like that. What I can offer is growth to your crops and my protection against nature."
"That is very much appreciated; what would you like in return?"
"I ask for nothing in return; you have done so much for me already."
"Are you really fine with that?"
"Yes, I am confident of my choice."
"Very well, how do I form a contract?"
"By using this," says Elrand as he suddenly appears with a piece of paper with some pattern drawn onto it. "This is a contract scroll."
"Cool, how do we use it?"
"It requires consent from the to be servant and master. You need to both hold it, and then it will recognise what needs to be done. I do need to warn you that you must not let go of it, no matter what."
I took the scroll, taking Elrand's warning to heart and firmly held it against the tree. The scroll itself began to glow, and then flames burst out from nowhere, completely covering my hand. However, I felt no heat or pain.
After it was done burning, I suddenly felt a new connection within my body, as if a new door had just been opened. I explained this feeling to Elrand, who explained that a connection is made within our souls.
This is how we gained a new residence and ally—a big ass tree.